Hey folks. I was wondering if you could help me identify the noise my 2010 Cooper is making.

http://youtu.be/301lZc8l--Q

Thanks!

 

First, just to be safe, check the oil. Oil loss seems to be the MINI's worst enemy. Have you driven it since it started making that noise? If so, any differences in performance or drivability?

 

I haven't checked the oil, but I did get an oil change about a week ago. I'll check it in the morning. No loss of power or change in performance. I've driven it about six miles since I noticed the noise.

 

From inside the vehicle it sounds as if you were only running on 3 out of the 4 cylinders. It's lacking the smoothness in the sound and sounds as if air is just being compressed and not ignited. If it were the coil pack there should be a check engine light, but my next suggestion other than checking the oil is maybe think about changing spark plugs or just checking the spark plug wires.

 

Could you do another video will the engine bay open and the camera? If you can pinpoint where the sound is coming from... I was going to say valve train but if it were it would be happen every fourth stroke, it seems to match with your RPM's. Does happen only when cold? Anyhow I would suggest NOT driving your Mini until it can be properly diagnosed.

That's not a good noise.

 

So, the reason I just had an oil change is because the valve cover was leaking. I had that repaired, and new plugs installed at Mini of Burlington. I'll work on grabbing another video of the engine bay once the sun comes up.

 

Alright. I just got her back from the dealership. The sound was the friction gear on the serpentine belt. Thanks for the help, folks.

 

Usually sounds like that aren't good, but I'm sure you're pleased it wasn't something serious. Glad it wasn't something serious.

 

Absolutely. I was terrified, and upon hearing what it was, well, yeah I was happy.

 

I just turned over to 59,000 miles yesterday and am thinking about getting my serpentine belt and friction wheel replaced before it starts causing problems. I'm also planning on becoming a AAA Premier member with the 200 mile free towing.

 

Smartest thing I ever did was join AAA. They towed me a couple of months ago when I was stranded due to clutch failure... 180 miles from home and $0 out of pocket (other than the membership).

 

Amazing it was something so minor. I watched the tach and the needle never moved, so I knew it wasn't something like plugs/wires/air/fuel, but I am amazed at the sound a failing tensioner made. I sure would have loved to hear it from under the hood.

Have they actually done the repair? You are good to go?

Is this a common Mini failure item? I'm about to drive to NY and back this weekend... 131k on the clock, so I've been trying to replace common mechanical items. Wondering if this is worth doing.